Applying For Naturalization And Becoming A U.S. Citizen

Applications for U.S. citizenship are complicated. Errors in the application process can cause costly delays. A U.S. citizenship lawyer can provide naturalization assistance and help the application process go as smoothly as possible. Our immigration lawyers at the Law Office of Nazly Mamedova in Cincinnati can help you apply for citizenship and advise you through the naturalization process.

Obtaining Rights As A U.S. Citizen

An application for naturalization is an application for U.S. citizenship. Once a foreign-born person completes the naturalization process and is granted American citizenship, they will have all of the same rights as a U.S. citizen born on American soil, including:

• The right to obtain and travel with an American passport (which provides entry into several foreign countries without the need for a visa)
• The right to vote in U.S. federal and state elections
• The right to work in a government job or hold a government office

Most important, a naturalized U.S. citizen may sponsor and apply for resident status for family members with an expedited petition process.

Required Documentation For Naturalization

There are specific documents that will be required as part of the application process for naturalization. These include birth certificates, copies of your green card (legal permanent residency documents) and your marriage certificate (if applicable). In addition, you will have to be able to provide your employment history for the last several years and present a list of any travel dates on which you left the country. You will also need to provide new passport photos that follow the strict passport photo requirements.

Filing An Application For Naturalization

An applicant for naturalization must meet certain criteria. The following requirements must be met:

• The applicant must be 18 years of age or older
• The applicant must have good moral character (even a misdemeanor on a criminal record can count against your character)
• The applicant has the ability to read, write and speak in English
• The applicant passes the required U.S. history and government test

In addition, the applicant must also have been a lawful permanent resident for at least five years (or less if they are the spouse of a U.S. citizen) and has physically spent at least half of the required time in the United States. The applicant will also be required to take an oath of allegiance and swear loyalty to the United States of America. If the applicant has minor children, they might also be eligible for citizenship under the same application.

What To Expect In The Naturalization Process

Once the application is filed with the appropriate filing fees, there are several steps that will follow in the process. The applicant will be scheduled for a fingerprint appointment and will get a notice of the appointment date. There are also required meetings and interviews. If you miss a scheduled meeting or interview, your application could be denied. Once the interviews are complete, the applicant is scheduled for a ceremony, in which they will be sworn in as a U.S. citizen. A final questionnaire will be required to make sure the applicant has maintained their good moral character throughout the process. An applicant will have to turn in their green card, but will be issued a certificate of naturalization.

Why Hire A U.S. Citizenship Lawyer?

An experienced immigration lawyer can help prepare an applicant for every step of the naturalization process. From filing the paperwork correctly to helping an applicant prepare for the interview process, an experienced attorney can ensure that everything goes as smoothly as possible. Our immigration attorneys at the Law Office of Nazly Mamedova want to help applicants be successful in their naturalization process and become U.S. citizens.

Schedule An Appointment For Naturalization Assistance

We offer consultations by appointment only. Call our offices today at Call or send an email through the online form on our website to schedule a consultation appointment. We look forward to answering your questions and helping you become a U.S. citizen in whatever way we can.

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